The Rev. Dr. Jill Bierwirth
Intentional Interim Minister
We welcome The Rev. Dr. Jill Bierwirth as our Intentional Interim Minister. A native of South Carolina, The Reverend Doctor Jill Bierwirth is a graduate of Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina (Bachelor of Arts in Music and Religion) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (Master of Divinity in Teaching, PhD in Church History and Historical Theology). A former college professor and hospital chaplain, Jill now works as a certified Intentional Interim Minister, having previously served four other congregations in that capacity.
In her personal life, Jill is a morning person, a vegetarian, and a crazy cat lady. Her cats Pattee and Monty are her kids. Her favorite pastime is singing, which she finds very therapeutic. Her ministry passion is helping churches become as healthy as possible. Her passions for social justice include, but are not limited to, homelessness, immigration reform, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Jill is also an outspoken proponent of Progressive Christianity whose theological heroes include John Shelby Spong, Greta Vosper, Michael Dowd, and Brian McLaren. Spiritually, she finds much in common with the work of Joan Chittister and Richard Rohr.
Intentional Interim Minister
We welcome The Rev. Dr. Jill Bierwirth as our Intentional Interim Minister. A native of South Carolina, The Reverend Doctor Jill Bierwirth is a graduate of Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina (Bachelor of Arts in Music and Religion) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (Master of Divinity in Teaching, PhD in Church History and Historical Theology). A former college professor and hospital chaplain, Jill now works as a certified Intentional Interim Minister, having previously served four other congregations in that capacity.
In her personal life, Jill is a morning person, a vegetarian, and a crazy cat lady. Her cats Pattee and Monty are her kids. Her favorite pastime is singing, which she finds very therapeutic. Her ministry passion is helping churches become as healthy as possible. Her passions for social justice include, but are not limited to, homelessness, immigration reform, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Jill is also an outspoken proponent of Progressive Christianity whose theological heroes include John Shelby Spong, Greta Vosper, Michael Dowd, and Brian McLaren. Spiritually, she finds much in common with the work of Joan Chittister and Richard Rohr.
Nikki Ketchum
Church Business Manager
Nikki joined the staff at First Congregational in 2017 with over 25 years of administrative experience. She is responsible for Facilities, Finance, Church Communications, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, and Human Resources for the church. Nikki also assists Church Leadership, teams, volunteers, and staff with organizing events, outreach efforts, and social media, bringing strong leadership and a deep passion for mission work to everything she does.
During the pandemic, Nikki modernized the church’s technology to ensure members could continue participating in worship from home each week. She also holds the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential, reflecting her commitment to excellence in nonprofit leadership and service.
Originally from Northern Wisconsin, Dubuque has always been part of Nikki’s life, as both of her parents were raised here. Nikki is married to her husband Clay and has two daughters.
Church Business Manager
Nikki joined the staff at First Congregational in 2017 with over 25 years of administrative experience. She is responsible for Facilities, Finance, Church Communications, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, and Human Resources for the church. Nikki also assists Church Leadership, teams, volunteers, and staff with organizing events, outreach efforts, and social media, bringing strong leadership and a deep passion for mission work to everything she does.
During the pandemic, Nikki modernized the church’s technology to ensure members could continue participating in worship from home each week. She also holds the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential, reflecting her commitment to excellence in nonprofit leadership and service.
Originally from Northern Wisconsin, Dubuque has always been part of Nikki’s life, as both of her parents were raised here. Nikki is married to her husband Clay and has two daughters.
Bella Douglas
Director of Music Ministries
Bella joined First Congregational Church in the Spring of 2025. Bella holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Loras College and has experience in working with choirs of all ages! Bella not only plans our music but also conducts both Chancel Choir and Bell Choirs.
Director of Music Ministries
Bella joined First Congregational Church in the Spring of 2025. Bella holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Loras College and has experience in working with choirs of all ages! Bella not only plans our music but also conducts both Chancel Choir and Bell Choirs.
Duane Vetter
Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production
Duane as our Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production! He is currently attending Loras College majoring in Creative Media and minoring in History. He has had the opportunity to intern at Radio Stations in Iowa as well as on the production team for Loras College. Duane is originally from Audubon, IA
Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production
Duane as our Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production! He is currently attending Loras College majoring in Creative Media and minoring in History. He has had the opportunity to intern at Radio Stations in Iowa as well as on the production team for Loras College. Duane is originally from Audubon, IA
